People wanting more information about the Council’s proposal to swap the functions of Lichfield and Tuam streets can call into an information shop at 179 Tuam Street.

The shop, in the old Lichfield Shirts building east of the Council’s Civic Offices, will be open until 2 August on Mondays from 5- 6pm, Wednesdays from 12-1pm, Fridays from 1-2pm and on Saturday 6 and 20 July from 12-2pm. Council staff will be there to answer questions.

The Council considers that the advantages of the swap deserve discussion and debate, so public consultation is occurring until 16 August.

All feedback will then be analysed and a report presented to the Sustainable Transport and Utilities Committee and the full Council towards the end of the year. A decision then will be made whether to go ahead, and whether any changes to the proposal are needed.

If it goes ahead, the swap would also need to go through a legal process – a hearing of submissions by an independent commissioner -- to allow for changes to the City Plan classification of the roads. If the swap goes ahead, construction would most likely begin in late 2004.

The proposal

The plan would change Lichfield Street and a section of Oxford Terrace from one to two-way, and Tuam Street from two-way to one-way.

The changes would start at Hospital Corner and extend eastwards as far as Fitzgerald Avenue, with three intersections undergoing significant change.

The plan aims to meet the Council’s Central City revitalisation objectives, especially those to do with improved pedestrian amenity, less traffic in the city core, better use of historic buildings and an improved river environment.

The proposal’s objectives also include contributing towards more efficient public transport system and savings for ratepayers, getting a balanced outcome for road safety, traffic, cyclists, public transport, pedestrians and the environment, and working with the public and businesses to optimise the benefits and minimise any disadvantages from any changes.

Special meetings are being held with groups and organisations which may be directly affected by proposed changes. Invitations have been sent to a mailing list. If your group or organisation is interested in attending a meeting, please contact the City Council as soon as possible.

For more information on the swap plan, call 941 8748 or go to www.ccc.govt.nz/LichfieldTuam/ on the Internet. Brochures containing a submission form are available from the Council’s Civic Offices, service centres and libraries.